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Using Ecological Footprint Analysis to Evaluate Sustainable Development in Lushan County, China

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  • Huihui Yang

    (College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
    School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China)

  • Shuiyu Yan

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China)

  • Na An

    (College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China)

  • Qiang Yao

    (College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China)

Abstract

Mountain town ecosystems are fragile and highly susceptible to the impacts of human activities and ecological imbalances. This study aimed to improve the traditional ecological footprint (EF) model by incorporating expanded land functions, localised factors, and temporal continuity. Using Lushan County in Sichuan Province as a case study, we calculated spatial and temporal changes from 2009 to 2022 and evaluated sustainable development through four indicators: ecological pressure, ecological sustainability, ecological occupation, and ecological–economic coordination. The results show that from 2009 to 2022, the per capita ecological carbon footprint in Lushan County decreased by 48%, and the ecological carrying capacity declined by 9%. Despite a more than 73% reduction in the ecological surplus, indicating gradual ecological recovery, Lushan County remains in an ecological deficit state with increasing ecological unsustainability. Only forest land is in an ecological surplus state among the six land use categories, while all other categories are in ecological deficit states. Regarding ecological sustainability assessment, Lushan County’s overall land use is in a strong sustainability state, with the sustainable development index gradually improving. However, ecological–economic coordination remains poor, with a high ecological occupation index and significant ecological pressure, indicating an imbalance between economic development and ecosystem protection. For future sustainable development in mountainous areas, Lushan County should focus on reducing the ecological carbon footprint and enhancing the ecological carrying capacity. These research findings provide valuable insights and methodological references for the sustainable development of mountain towns.

Suggested Citation

  • Huihui Yang & Shuiyu Yan & Na An & Qiang Yao, 2024. "Using Ecological Footprint Analysis to Evaluate Sustainable Development in Lushan County, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-21, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:7:p:1081-:d:1437610
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yajie Shang & Yuanyuan Chen & Yalin Zhai & Lei Wang, 2025. "Spatiotemporal Relationship Between Carbon Metabolism and Ecosystem Service Value in the Rural Production–Living–Ecological Space of Northeast China’s Black Soil Region: A Case Study of Bin County," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-31, January.

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